Unveiling the Truth: Natural Selection and Speciation in God's Design

Refuting Evolution 2—Chapter 4: Natural Selection Leads to Speciation

Argument: Natural selection leads to speciation

Evolutionists often claim that natural selection is responsible for the origin of new species, citing examples like the Galápagos finches as evidence. However, these claims fail to consider the limitations of natural selection and the lack of evidence for the creation of new genetic information.

Galápagos finches—evolution in action?

The Galápagos finches are often touted as a classic example of evolution in action. Charles Darwin observed that the finch beak size varied based on adaptation to different food sources. However, this variation is not evidence for the general theory of evolution (GTE), which requires the creation of new genetic information.

Furthermore, an 18-year study by zoologist Peter Grant showed that a new species could arise in just 200 years, supporting the rapid speciation predicted by the biblical model. However, the cyclic variation in beak size observed in the finches suggests built-in adaptability rather than the creation of new information.

The biblical creationist model

Contrary to popular belief, creationists do not deny speciation. The biblical model acknowledges that God created distinct kinds of organisms with enough genetic variety to adapt to different environments. The boundaries of these "kinds" do not always align with man-made classifications like species or genus.

Creationists recognize that speciation can occur through loss or rearrangement of existing genetic information. This is consistent with observed examples such as hybridization and adaptation within populations. However, it is important to note that this type of speciation does not involve the creation of new genetic information required for particles-to-people evolution.

The biblical model predicts rapid speciation

According to the biblical creation/Fall/Flood/migration model, rapid speciation would be expected due to the limited number of animals that disembarked from the ark only around 4,500 years ago. Examples of rapid adaptation, such as guppies, lizards, daisies, and house mice, support this prediction.

While evolutionists may argue that natural selection and other mechanisms can drive significant changes in populations over time, it is crucial to distinguish between changes within existing genetic information and the creation of new information. All observed changes are consistent with loss or rearrangement of existing information, which is insufficient for particles-to-people evolution.

Straw man arguments

Evolutionists often misrepresent creationist views by claiming they deny speciation or natural selection. In reality, creationists accept speciation but question the ability of natural selection to explain the origin of new species and higher orders of life.

Natural selection can explain micro-evolutionary changes within populations, but it fails to account for the creation of new genetic information necessary for macro-evolution. Evolutionary biologists propose mechanisms like allopatry, where isolated populations experience different selective pressures, leading to reproductive isolation. However, this process does not involve the creation of new information.

Ecology and evolution

Ecological interactions like predation and competition are often cited as evidence for evolution. While these interactions are interesting and factual, they do not provide evidence for the creation of new genetic information.

Examples like founder effects, invasion by biological invaders, and symbiotic relationships demonstrate adaptation and changes within existing genetic information. However, there is no evidence to suggest that these changes increase genetic information or support particles-to-people evolution.

Has immunity evolved?

Claims that pathogens have evolved resistance to drugs or that certain species have evolved resistance to diseases overlook the fact that these changes involve loss or rearrangement of existing genetic information.

Examples like HIV resistance in humans and FIV resistance in big cats demonstrate how mutations can confer resistance but often come with trade-offs or involve loss of functionality. These examples do not support the creation of new genetic information required for particles-to-people evolution.

Why This Matters: Understanding the limitations of natural selection and the lack of evidence for the creation of new genetic information is crucial in evaluating evolutionary claims. Recognizing that speciation can occur within the boundaries of created kinds supports the biblical model of rapid diversification and adaptation.

Think About It: Consider the difference between changes within existing genetic information and the creation of new information. Can observed examples of adaptation or speciation be explained by loss or rearrangement of existing genetic information? How does this impact the argument for evolution?